THE ORIGIN OF THE CHIPS

SISTER IGNATIA

This is the "Sacred Heart Badge" that Sister Mary Ignatia would give a newly sober sot upon his release from St. Thomas Hospital in the very early 1940's, along with the instructions to return it to her BEFORE drinking again. More than one drunk didn't drink rather than having to go through the trouble of going back to Akron to return the small religious icon to Sister Ignatia. This is thought to be the origin of the chip system used at many AA groups throughout the USA.